NBA roundup: Hornets match offer to keep Gordon

Guard Eric Gordon will be returning to New Orleans after the Hornets matched Phoenix's maximum-salary offer of $58 million over four years.

"Eric is a phenomenal player that we are thrilled to have in our organization", Hornets general manager Dell Demps said. "We thank Tom and Gayle Benson for making this possible with their commitment to the team, our fans and the New Orleans Community.

Gordon said he was open to returning, although he wanted to explore his options as a restricted free agent and eventually said Phoenix "is just where my heart is right now." But the Hornets had said all along that they planned to match any offer.

"There is always a business element to the NBA when dealing with contracts but I never lost my appreciation for the New Orleans fans," said Gordon. "I look forward to giving my very best on the court this season to make our team successful."

Gordon, acquired last December in the Chris Paul trade, led the team with 20.6 points per game to go along with 3.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in nine games in his first season with New Orleans.

-- The Boston Celtics announced the signing of star forward Kevin Garnett to a three-year contract Saturday. The deal, believed to be worth $34 million, was initially reported by Yahoo!Sports and the Boston Herald on June 30.

Garnett, 36, earned $21 million last season with the Celtics as he averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in helping them reach the Eastern Conference finals. He averaged 19.2 points and 10.3 rebounds in the playoffs.

The team also announced the re-signings Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox, as well as agreeing to contracts with Jeff Green and Jason Terry. The deals for Green and Terry are expected to be finalized next week, according to ESPN Boston.

--The U.S. men's basketball team practiced in Washington, D.C., for the first time Saturday in preparation for the London Olympics after having its initial training camp in Las Vegas.

More than 3,000 military members and their families watched the practice as it was part of the Hoops for Troops program.

"We hope in some way we can give back to our country during this short Olympic period. ... We want to thank you for a lifetime of service," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said, according to USA Today.

No. 1 draft pick Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Hornets practiced for the first time as an official team member. He filled in for Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who is out with a knee injury.

The military members in attendance gave the players a patch of the U.S. flag for their right shoulder after practice.

--- Center Viacheslav Kravtsov signed a multi-year deal with the Pistons. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it was expected to be a $2 million deal.

Kravtsov, who will be 25 next season, averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks playing in the Ukrainian Superleague last season. The Pistons view Kravtsov as a 15- to 20-minute player who can be their defensive anchor on the second unit.

With the Pistons over the salary cap, Kravtsov is a more cost-effective pickup compared to a veteran NBA free agent such as Chris Kaman, whom the Pistons were expected to pursue.

Shaw was granted permission by the Pacers to meet with Portland. He previously interviewed with Charlotte and is a candidate for the opening in Orlando.

According to reports, the Trail Blazers spent time this week pursuing two Hall of Fame coaches -- Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan -- but general manager Neil Olshey said neither coach was interested in taking the job at this time.